cannabisnews.com: Drug Czar Says State Faces Liability





Drug Czar Says State Faces Liability
Posted by CN Staff on October 10, 2002 at 11:53:41 PT
By Ed Koch 
Source: Las Vegas Sun 
The nation's drug czar today said Nevada could face liability problems if it tries to provide marijuana to those who need it medically, a key component of Question 9.John Walters, chief of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, was in Las Vegas today to campaign against the ballot initiative that would legalize possession of up to 3 ounces of the drug.
"There is no way to create a legal state-run system to supply it," Walters told the Las Vegas Sun editorial board today. "To knowingly produce a dangerous substance, the state could assume enormous liability costs."Walters, making his second visit to Nevada this year, equated the liability to that of tobacco companies, which have had to make large settlements with states over the health effects associated with smoking.States sued the tobacco companies to recover costs incurred by state health programs in treating smoking-related illnesses. As well, there have been a number of big jury awards given to people who have sued tobacco companies.Walters noted growing marijuana is still against federal law and said the state also could face the liability of producing a dangerous product.Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, the author of the medical marijuana bill that was passed into law at the 2001 Legislature, disagreed this morning, saying her studies have found no evidence of a state being successfully sued for producing marijuana."There would be no liability for the state," she said. "Our Department of Agriculture has seed labs and could produce and control marijuana seed. They also could use a tagging agent to distinguish state-produced marijuana from the trafficked drug, and that would help law enforcement."Walters also argued that the real purpose of Question 9 is to make marijuana more available to be smoked for non-medical reasons, and he said making pot "more widely available means (the potential for) more use."Giunchigliani said the measure would not encourage more use of pot but would simply "recognize that people smoke marijuana and recognize that otherwise responsible adults should not be made criminals because of it."It also recognizes that national drug policies are not working."Nationwide, Walters said, there are 6 million people with drug abuse problems, 60 percent of whom are dependent on marijuana. He said 23 percent of the drug abusers are teens.Giunchigliani said in Nevada teen use of marijuana is third behind alcohol, with methamphetamines a distant second.Question 9 would have to be approved by voters on Nov. 5 and again in 2004 to become law.Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, the group backing the ballot initiative, says the measure would allow critically ill patients to more easily obtain marijuana without paying high prices. It also would impose penalties on anyone caught smoking pot in public or selling marijuana to minors.Opponents say marijuana is a potent and addictive drug that can lead to high-risk behavior and more dangerous drugs.Note: Marijuana initiative would put Nevada at risk, federal official says.Source: Las Vegas Sun (NV)Author: Ed Koch Published: October 10, 2002Copyright: 2002 Las Vegas Sun, Inc.Contact: letters lasvegassun.comWebsite: http://www.lasvegassun.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:NRLEhttp://www.nrle.org/Marijuana Policy Projecthttp://www.mpp.org/Why Question 9 is Bad for Nevadahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14401.shtmlQuestion 9 Supporters Demand Neal Apologyhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14384.shtmlCartelling The Truth http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14383.shtmlNevada Could Be Drug Haven if Question 9 Passeshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14344.shtml
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Comment #30 posted by Number 7 on October 11, 2002 at 09:31:58 PT
Thanks for the info
I didn't know that Question 9 is ammending the Nevada constitution BGreen, thanks. I was thinking it just another tactic to make this more difficult to pass. Good luck to the voters of Nevada and may this be the first step in the right (correct) direction.
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Comment #29 posted by knox42897 on October 11, 2002 at 00:03:39 PT:
channel 3 story
Leaders Discuss Question 9 
 Email story to a friend October 10, 2002Scott Haws ReportingSo where do you stand on Question 9? This morning, the nation's Drug Czar stopped by our studios to talk about legalizing marijuana. Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani was also here --on behalf of the group, 'Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement' which is pushing to legalize pot. Both agree, the stakes are high. Chris Giunchiglianai told us that the feds and the Czar don't even have a right to be here since this is a state issue, not a federal issue. It's a burning question that voters must face on the upcoming ballot. Should the possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana be legal in Nevada for anyone over the age of 21?The nation's Drug Czar is clear on where he and the Federal government stand. "There is no way legalizing it will cut down on illegal activity and problems with usage."But state Assemblywoman Chris Gianchigliani, who authored the already passed 'Medicinal Marijuana Initiative,' is quick to disagree with Walters and others who are speaking out against Question 9. "This will solve so many problems with distribution and usage among kids, etc." Immediately following their appearances on 'News Three Sunrise,' we were flooded with e-mails on our "Your Voice" section on kvbc.com. Viewers with comments like: How in the world does this lady think we could control the drug dealers? Or, I don't understand the way that those who object to Question 9 somehow must think it will deter marijuana use? Or one viewer who asks, "The mayor to take more of a stand on this issue," Saying if this passes "It will deter a lot of quality, educated families from moving here."So now that it's clear how these two political figures feel, the question remains, where do you stand -- and where will Nevada stand after November 5th?
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on October 10, 2002 at 21:22:35 PT
Thanks canaman, Current Poll Results
Poll  
This November, how will you vote on Question #9, dealing with the legalization of some amounts of marijuana for private use, not just for medical purposes. Thank you for participating in our poll. Here are the results so far. Yes for legalization! -- 73%  Nope to dope! -- 24%  Don't know yet -- 2%  Will not vote -- 1%  
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Comment #27 posted by canaman on October 10, 2002 at 21:14:56 PT
KLAS TV Las Vegas Story and Poll
(Oct. 10) -- With the election rapidly approaching the nation's drug czar came to our studios to express the bush administration's opposition to question nine. That proposition would make it legal to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana in Nevada.Protestors gathered outside channel 8 to express their support for the measure.Supporters say there should be regulated use of the drug for medicinal and recreational purposes.On our sister station Las Vegas One, John Walters told Jon Ralston the measure would deal a blow to drug control efforts.The measure would have to pass this November and in 2004 before it could become law.Poll and story:
http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=968590&nav=168XBjSx
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Comment #26 posted by MikeEEEEE on October 10, 2002 at 17:49:41 PT
Threats 
I hope the Nevadians lift up a finger that's somewhere in the middle and votes a BIG YES.
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Comment #25 posted by BGreen on October 10, 2002 at 17:14:18 PT
Number 7
It's required by the Nevada Constitution that any amendments must be voted on twice before they're ratified.
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Comment #24 posted by knox42897 on October 10, 2002 at 16:56:32 PT:
PROTEST RALLY A SUCCESS
Hello Everyone,
The protest rally was a success. There were over 50 people at the rally including our state representative Chris "G". Photographers from Time and Newsweek were in attendance. Should be on the news today channel 8  6:00 and 11:00. I am having the film processed right now. Pictures should be available tomorrow.
Pierree
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Comment #23 posted by Number 7 on October 10, 2002 at 15:46:29 PT
why oh why
I have never in my life heard of any proposed law needing to pass twice in order to become law.Why does Question 9 have to pass twice. I can't find any answer to this. I'd really like to know. 
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Comment #22 posted by mayan on October 10, 2002 at 15:23:52 PT
Dangerous Substance?
"There is no way to create a legal state-run system to supply it," Walters told the Las Vegas Sun editorial board today. "To knowingly produce a dangerous substance, the state could assume enormous liability costs."It seems the Feds just shoved a bunch of nuclear waste into Yucca Mountain!!! Talk about a dangerous substance! And they want to eradicate one of the safest therapeutic substances known to man? I hope Nevadans remember Yucca Mountain when they step into the polling booths. It is time to say "UP Your's" to the Fascist Feds!
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Comment #21 posted by karkulus on October 10, 2002 at 14:56:16 PT
Yes,if some one DID sue,it could force
 a closer examination in the courts of scientific probability of harm and maybe even get some media coverage. Bring it on! 
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Comment #20 posted by DdC on October 10, 2002 at 14:48:13 PT
Pot or Politics?
This came out this am and the full story is online...The Good Times local talk asking the people on the street about med cannabis use. 5 out of 5 say Walters is a fascist schmuck! Ok I say he is and they agree. ¶8)
Here's the story...Peace, Love and Liberty or the Goofy Freaky D.E.A.th!...DdCPot or Politics? Full Story
http://www.gdtimes.com/pages/cover.htmPot or Politics? DEA's recent raids on small medical marijuana cooperatives in California are rooted in politics by Laurel Chesky and Bruce Willey photos by Bruce WilleyFull story in PDF format
http://www.gdtimes.com/pages/coverstory.pdfCover
http://www.gdtimes.com/current_images/large.jpgSanta Cruz Good Times 
http://www.gdtimes.com/
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Comment #19 posted by canaman on October 10, 2002 at 14:43:28 PT
John Walters is yelling,"Fire in the theater!"
He doesn't want people to think he wants them to run for the exits. Our job is to somehow calm the fears of the crowd. Let them know that it's just a lunatic spreading fear and lies. DON"T RUN! DON"T PANIC! Calming peoples fears...tough job. Much easier to scare people. The people at NRLE are doing a great job! Their TV ads show real compassion and calm fears. They deserve all the help we can give.Check out their ads if you havn't already. They have been on the air alot lately. 
 http://www.nrle.org/commercials.html
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Comment #18 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on October 10, 2002 at 14:32:18 PT
LTE
Sirs,  John Walters' comparison of the tobacco industry with the plans for state-grown medical marijuana under Question Nine is comparing apples to oranges. Tobacco has no known health benefits, and kills 400,000 people per year. Marijuana helps people with AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, and a host of other illnesses - and has never killed anyone in all of recorded history.  A better comparison would be to opiates. Federal drug laws prohibit the illegal sale of heroin, yet allows physicians to prescribe opiates of a variety of potency levels without the fear of prosecution. Medical marijuana users should have the same access to their pain relief, without having to worry about DEA raids.
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on October 10, 2002 at 14:18:23 PT
Thanks Dr. Russo
At least I'd be a nice Drug Czar and wouldn't call anything STUPID! LOL!
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Comment #16 posted by Ethan Russo MD on October 10, 2002 at 14:13:24 PT:
The Trouble is---
FoM, this is what you get for trying to apply logic to the War on Drugs. There simply isn't any.FoM for Drug Czar! The truth hurts, but it has to be faced. Cannabis prohibition is 65 years old and needs to be retired!
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on October 10, 2002 at 14:07:57 PT
Question
If there is liability for growing a dangerous substance for Nevada how can Canada be getting this "dangerous substance" from Mississippi for AIDS and HIV patients to use in the study? 
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Comment #14 posted by Had Enough on October 10, 2002 at 14:03:05 PT
State Run Agencies
"There is no way to create a legal state-run system to supply it,"Look at all the state run agencies that exist already. Bureaucracy is a bureaucrat’s specialty.
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Comment #13 posted by Sam Adams on October 10, 2002 at 13:56:24 PT
Liability is a valid concern
The state SHOULD consider the liability of distributing cannabis. Why don't we just ask the state's insurance company to put their actuaries on it?The first thing they'll do is say, well, how many people a year die from cannabis? They'll pull out the trusty CDC reports and quickly see: ZERO. What diseases are caused by cannabis? Hmmmmm, none. Do people on cannabis act more violently? Do they steal?Life insurance companies have known for years not to concern themselves with cannabis smokers, I would say any objective analysis will show minimal liability.
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on October 10, 2002 at 13:52:18 PT
What a News Day!  - More To Come I'm Sure!
I hope someone can go thru the articles and copy anything John Walters quoted in Arizona or Nevada.Like This:"There is no way to create a legal state-run system to supply it," Walters told the Las Vegas Sun editorial board today. "To knowingly produce a dangerous substance, the state could assume enormous liability costs." - Las Vegas Sun - October 10, 2002
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Comment #11 posted by malleus on October 10, 2002 at 13:29:57 PT
An' da Boogeyman will getcha 
Scare stories. That's what John Pee is down to. Halloween campfire spook stories."Liability", huh? When cannabis is finally legalized again, the GOVERNMENT will be sued for it's malfeasence, it's wrongful imprisonments and outright murders of activists like that McWilliams guy.John Pee, if I were you, I'd stay out of the West. Folks there don't like feds telling them what to do already. You are only making matters worse.
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Comment #10 posted by Had Enough on October 10, 2002 at 13:29:14 PT
The Heat is On
Dark Star’s comment is very appropriate. This is not the time to take anything for granted, now is the time. Keep supporting who and whatever your choice is. The heat is on, but needs to be turned up. Wait till the votes are counted. 60%+ minimum in favor, my prediction.Yep, Plenty of stamina FoM, don’t you worry, and thank you again for such a fine job. I for one will always remember what is happening here.
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Comment #9 posted by canaman on October 10, 2002 at 13:25:31 PT
Fascist czar visits Reno today and tomorrow
Stop by and say high if you can get past the small army that will no doubt surround him. News converence at 6:30pm this evening...Will he suprise us with some new lies? I can hardly contain myself. Will some brave journalist make a name for him/herself and confront the lowly czar? Stay tunedReno Gazette-Journal update:
http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2002/10/05/25337.php?sp1=rgj&sp2=News&sp3=Local+News
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Comment #8 posted by Dark Star on October 10, 2002 at 13:07:17 PT
Things are Happening Fast
Now is not the time for complacency, it is the time to increase the pressure. The prohibition bubble must burst.
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Comment #7 posted by Had Enough on October 10, 2002 at 12:45:11 PT
History in the Making
Walters noted growing marijuana is still against federal law and said the state also could face the liability of producing a dangerous product.The word still is being used here. Could this mean he thinks that it won’t be long for that to change?He knows things are going to change. This appears to be a last ditch effort, one of many to come. Just look at what’s going on. They have never seen so much outspoken public resistance up until now. Federal lawsuits, State Attorneys, and other law enforcement agencies, questioning their actions and making a stand. This is history in the making. After all these years and after many attacks by people and groups with bad intentions our Constitution is still there. Thank God our framers of the constitution were light years ahead of the politicians of today. We are surely indebted to these fine men and equally as well, all those that fought, spilled blood, and died for it. I love my country always have, always will. Greedy men are the ones who try to corrupt it, not our country. WE THE PEOPLE are being heard.Expect the storm to get real nasty before it’s over.VOTE VOTE VOTEDo not forget our friends at http://www.nrle.org They need money, a lot of it and now. Send them anything. Every bit helps.Nevada is taking a big step for man and a huge gigantic leap for mankind.
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Comment #6 posted by Dark Star on October 10, 2002 at 12:42:18 PT
The Trouble with Hypocrisy
Our government is used to getting its own way, even when it contradicts itself. It's fun to see the government's fat ass get bitten by its own inconsistencies from time to time.It's called humility, stupid! Learn about it sometime.
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Comment #5 posted by Ethan Russo MD on October 10, 2002 at 12:24:54 PT:
Good Question
FoM raises a very valid point. The Compassionate Use IND patients using NIDA cannabis signed informed consent documents. There is a copy of one on page 17 of the PDF and page 19 of the article:http://www.montananorml.org/docs/ChronicCannabisUseStudy.pdfThe mere fact that the government believed that informed consent with cannabis was possible undermines their entire argument that it is innately dangerous and devoid of medical benefits.Nevada should ask potential patients to sign such an informed consent. They should also inform regarding harm reduction, such as vaporization, tinctures, etc. Caveat emptor, good buddy!
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Comment #4 posted by Dankhank on October 10, 2002 at 12:24:27 PT:
The number of the beast ...
I just got off the phone with the Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse and spoke to the person there and asked how the Czar could think that Arizonans could be "fooled" three times???
Of course no answer, but I observed that it was poetic to the Nth degree that their phone number was as follows:Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse P.O. Box 6000 Rockville, MD 20849–6000 Ph: 800–666–3332 The number of the BEAST!!!!!!!!It can't get any better than that ...By the way, I will be sending a CD to him as well ...I say again a little clearer: send me an address I will send you a CD, you may then send me a buck or two if you choose. Peace to all who fight .... 
Hemp N Stuff
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Comment #3 posted by krutch on October 10, 2002 at 12:21:38 PT:
Why Make it So Complicated?
Why does the state needs to supply it? We can just grow it in our back yards. Smoke at your own risk. No liability here. I don't want the state to give me weed and I don't want to buy it from dealers. I just want to grow my own. Too bad that I risk ten years in federal lockup if I do. What drugs did John Walters take? He is brain dead.
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Comment #2 posted by The GCW on October 10, 2002 at 12:08:28 PT
Just to push the Fed. buttons...
Is there enough peope that are just sick and tired of the prohibitionists, that even if they do not use the plant, they are going to rebel the Fed. urine sucker?
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 10, 2002 at 12:06:51 PT
What about the Mississippi Farm
He said: Walters told the Las Vegas Sun editorial board today. "To knowingly produce a dangerous substance, the state could assume enormous liability costs."How does the Mississippi Farm not get sued if it is a dangerous substance?
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